Kia Shows Off The EV9 During Its Final Testing Stages

Kia's next endeavor into the all-electric field is another SUV, though it's set to tackle a much larger segment than the compact EV6. Riding on the company's E-GMP electric architecture, the EV9 will be the brand's flagship model, and will arrive as one of the first entries in the large electric SUV segment. A concept version was revealed in New York earlier this year, previewing what will essentially be an all-electric version of the best-selling Telluride. The production vehicle isn't very far behind, however, as it enters its final leg of testing.

The EV9 is shown at Kia's Namyang R&D center in Korea wearing very light camo, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming SUV. As expected, styling won't stray too far from this year's concept, with a boxy profile and distinctive lighting features.

This electric SUV is finishing up its rigorous 44-month development period, in order to make sure that it lives up to the award-winning Telluride in every aspect. The EV9 also needs to live up to Kia's first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6, which has also been highly praised. It has been confirmed that the EV9 will make its world debut in the first quarter of 2023, likely going on sale a year later with a price tag near the $60,000 mark.

Do you think the EV9 will be a successful as the ICE-powered Telluride?

Images: Kia